If you’re heading to Peru, visiting Machu Picchu is surely at the top of your bucketlist—and for good reason! It’s one of the best preserved Inca cities on the planet AND one of the Seven Wonders of the World!
But visiting Machu Picchu can be pretty confusing. To get here, you have to arrive in the colonial city of Cusco, tucked in the Andes Mountains, and take at least three different modes of transportation to the ancient city (i.e., a shuttle to the city of Ollytantambo, a train to the town Aguas Calientes, and then a bus up to Machu Picchu). You also have to wade through purchasing tickets, which frequently sell out, for different “circuits” around Machu Picchu, which are basically 10 different routes through the site that determine which part of the ruins you’ll get to explore.
Instead, if you want a stress-free way to get here, consider booking a tour from Cusco, where the operator will take care of all of the logistics, from the multiple modes of transportation to securing your tickets and even providing a guide, while you’re onsite, to learn more about this ancient city. Here are the 10 best Machu Picchu tours from Cusco to make the most of your time in Peru’s Wonder of the World.
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Best Machu Picchu Tours from Cusco
All Machu Picchu tours will generally include your transportation to and from Cusco and a certified guide that will share interesting facts about Inca history and culture while you’re exploring the ancient city.
However, these tours do differ in certain aspects, such as whether it’s a group or private tour; the kind of transportation you use to get there; and whether a ticket into the ancient city is included.
I’ve only selected tours that include your ticket into Machu Picchu, but if you wind up booking a different tour than one mentioned below, please be sure to double check that you don’t need to pick up your ticket separately! Tickets frequently sell out weeks in advance and it’s not unusual to read reviews from travelers who missed out on going to Machu Picchu all together, because they didn’t realize they needed to buy their own ticket.
Tip: I’d suggest booking your Machu Picchu tour as far in advance as possible. Tour operators will usually purchase tickets on your behalf once you book your tour and most of the popular Machu Picchu circuits sell out well in advance.
You’ll have the best chance of getting a good ticket option (which, without going into too much detail, is usually Route 2) if you book far ahead of time.
Group Tours to Machu Picchu
1. Machu Picchu Day Trip from Cusco: Full-Day Guided Tour
- Maximum number of people in your group: 15 travelers
- Are Machu Picchu tickets included? Yes
This tour starts bright and early, with pick-up from your hotel around 4:30 AM. From here, you’ll be driven to the town of Ollytantambo, board the train to Aguas Calientes, and then take a bus up to the ancient city (all of which is included in the tour!).
You’ll be led around Machu Picchu for about two hours, learning from your guide all things Inca, from how they farmed to their religious beliefs. You’ll also get about half an hour to roam around and take photos on your own.
Afterwards, you’ll head down to Aguas Calientes, with an hour to grab lunch, before heading back to Cusco.
The guides are definitely a highlight on this tour, from their entertaining tidbits about Inca culture to having coca leaves at the ready if you’re struggling with the altitude at Machu Picchu and even snapping PLENTY of photos of you along the way!
2. Full Day Tour to Machu Picchu by Train
- Maximum number of people in your group: 13 travelers
- Are Machu Picchu tickets included? Yes
On this tour, you’ll be picked up even earlier from your hotel (3 AM!) and arrive in Aguas Calientes around 7 AM. Here, you’ll have an hour or two to grab breakfast, before taking a bus up to Machu Picchu.
You’ll have a two hour tour here with a knowledgeable guide, where you’ll explore the heart of the city, plus about an hour or so to explore on your own. While it depends on availability, this tour operator typically snags tickets earlier in the morning—meaning you’ll get to enjoy visiting Machu Picchu, without all of the crowds!
Afterwards, you’ll head back to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll have time to grab lunch and explore a bit before catching the train back towards Cusco.
Unlike some of the tour operators, this option is extremely well-organized and has great pre-tour communications (which is important on a trip with so many confusing logistics!). In fact, one important thing to note about this particular tour is that you’ll meet up with a representative of the company the day before your tour, so that they can give you your train and bus tickets and answer any questions you might have (so make sure you’re available the evening before your visit!).
3. Machu Picchu Full-Day Tour by Train from Cusco (Small Group)
- Maximum number of people in your group: 9 travelers
- Are Machu Picchu tickets included? Yes
Like all of the other tours, you’ll be picked up from your hotel in Cusco, with all of the different travel logistics to Machu Picchu taken care of for you.
Once you’re in the citadel, you’ll get to enjoy the two major benefits of this particular tour option. For one, the group size is small, meaning you can more freely ask questions of your guide (and actually hear what they’re saying). PLUS, this tour operator almost always snags early morning tickets, meaning you’ll beat the crazy crowds!
Another thing that I really like about this tour is that you’ll usually get about four or so hours, including about two hours on your own, in Machu Picchu, which is quite a bit more than some other options.
Afterwards, you’ll have two hours in Aguas Calientes to grab lunch and explore before heading back to Cusco.
4. Machu Picchu One Day Tour by Train from Cusco
- Maximum number of people in your group: 10 travelers
- Are Machu Picchu tickets included? Yes
Again, this tour option covers securing your tickets to Machu Picchu, plus roundtrip transportation from your hotel to Machu Picchu.
Once you make it to the ancient citadel, you’ll have a two hour tour with a knowledgeable guide and your small group (just 10 travelers!), plus have a bit of free time to walk around by yourself, take photos, and marvel at the dramatic landscape around you.
After you’re done exploring here, you’ll head back down to Aguas Calientes.
My favorite aspect of this tour is that you’ll have most of the afternoon free to enjoy some of the awesome things to do in Aguas Calientes, such as soaking in its hot springs or perusing the Mercado Artisanal for a souvenir. While Aguas Calientes is definitely touristy, my husband, Justin, and I still REALLY enjoyed exploring it—it’s absolutely beautiful, tucked in a lush bowl of mountains and alongside the roaring Urubamba River.
Private Tours to Machu Picchu
Most private tours are actually about the same price, or usually even cheaper, than group tours. Accordingly, unless you’re interested in meeting fellow travelers along the way, I’m not sure why you wouldn’t book a private tour!
5. Full Day Private Guided Tour in Machu Picchu
- Maximum number of people in your group: Private to just your group
- Are Machu Picchu tickets included? Yes
Like all of the other Machu Picchu tours, you’ll be picked up from your hotel very early and make your way towards the ancient city.
You’ll actually meet a representative of the operator the day before your tour to pick up your train and bus tickets and to have any questions you might have answered. Additionally, the company has someone escort you between each of the various transportation methods. So, this tour makes getting to Machu Picchu an absolute breeze!
A guide will provide a tour that lasts around two hours in Machu Picchu, to explore its agricultural terraces, temples, viewpoints, and palaces. Plus, they know all of the good photo spots and are more than happy to take all the photos and videos you could ever want!
My favorite aspect about this tour is that it includes lunch at an authentic, local restaurant. With most other tour options, you have about an hour or so to wander around Aguas Calientes, pick a restaurant, and have a meal there, at your own expense, before you have to head back to the train—and it’s not unusual to have even less time to eat if there are any delays on the train or bus.
So I love that the time (and cost!) for lunch is intentionally baked into this tour—it’s a lot more fun to enjoy a Wonder of the World with some food in your tummy!
6. Machu Picchu Full Day from Cusco by Panoramic Train
- Maximum number of people in your group: Private to just your group
- Are Machu Picchu tickets included? Yes
One of the perks of going on a private tour is that most of them start a bit later—for this tour, you’ll typically get picked up between 5:30 and 6 AM (so much extra sleep!).
This tour is INCREDIBLE at clearly explaining what to do and where to go, making the process of transferring from a shuttle to the panoramic train ride along the gorgeous Urubamba River to the bus up to Machu Picchu absolutely seamless and straightforward. I also love that the operator seems to anticipate travelers’ needs, with thoughtfully planned rest stops to grab a snack or go to the bathroom.
Once you reach Aguas Calientes, you usually have about an hour or so to grab some breakfast and do some shopping before heading up to Machu Picchu.
You’ll get a two and a half hour tour around the citadel from an enthusiastic guide, who will provide engaging information about the Inca civilization (plus, they’re GREAT at getting tons of photos on the tour!).
If you’re someone who is nervous about transiting to Machu Picchu on their own, this would be one of my top picks for you!
7. Private Tour to Machu Picchu from Cusco with Lunch
- Maximum number of people in your group: Private to just your group
- Are Machu Picchu tickets included? Yes
This operator usually meets with you the day before your tour to provide you your train and bus tickets and answer any questions you might have about getting to Machu Picchu. In fact, this tour operator is great at communicating with you before your tour, whether you have any questions about what to expect or run into any complications along the way.
On the day of your tour, you’ll be picked up in Cusco and then shepherded along until you get to the gates of the city and meet up with your guide.
Once you’re in the ancient citadel, you’ll have about three hours to explore the ruins and get as many photos as you like (with the help of your guide, of course).
One of the huge benefits of going on a private tour is that you can go at your own speed. For example, if you’re specifically interested in Inca irrigation, you can spend the entire three hours just asking questions about that!
Afterwards, your tour includes a three course lunch (you know we love that!), at a restaurant that overlooks the rushing waters of the Urubamba River in Aguas Calientes,before heading back to Cusco.
Hiking Tours to Machu Picchu
If you’re looking for something a bit more adventurous than a day trip from Cusco, there are also several organized multi-day treks, through the stunning Andes Mountains, to reach Machu Picchu.
8. Classic 4 Day Inca Trail
- Maximum number of people in your group: 10 travelers
- Are Machu Picchu tickets included? Yes
If you want a deeper appreciation of the history and culture of the Sacred Valley, there’s no better option than to reach Machu Picchu by trekking along the Inca Trail. This road once led all the way from Cusco, which served as the capital of the Inca empire, to Machu Picchu, its religious center.
Now, this 22 mile hike takes you through some of the most stunning mountainscapes in Peru, along the beautiful Urubamba River, and past seven major Inca ruin sites that few visitors ever step foot in. Along the way, you’ll learn about how the Inca farmed, communicated, and worshipped, by literally stepping into and exploring their ancient ruins, deep in the heart of the Andes Mountains.
Even though this is a “trek”, you’re not exactly roughing it. From the pickup from your hotel in Cusco and three DELICIOUS multi-course meals a day (plus tea time!) to a portable toilet tent and sleeping tents that are assembled for you, this is definitely the most luxurious hiking experience I’ve ever had!
Hiking the Inca Trail is also one of the only options where you get to enter Machu Picchu through the Sungate, the actual entrance that the ancient Inca used to enter the city, that overlooks the complex and the dramatic surrounding scenery.
Once you’re in the citadel, you’ll have time to go to the most famous Machu Picchu viewpoint and explore the grounds with your certified guide.
I could talk endlessly about hiking the Inca Trail—in fact, I reached Machu Picchu by using this exact tour! We spent seven months exploring all over South America, and hiking the Inca Trail and exploring Machu Picchu with this company was one of the very best things we did here!
I loved how small our group was (we actually had a totally private tour, even though we booked a regular ol’ group tour); the fact that this tour company is locally owned and operated (which is actually pretty unusual in the Cusco area); and how passionate our guide was about Inca history and culture.
9. Two-day Inca Trail
- Maximum number of people in your group: 16 travelers
- Are Machu Picchu tickets included? Yes
If you’re short on time in Peru, but still think that hiking the Inca Trail and entering Machu Picchu through the Sungate sounds really cool, this tour’s for you!
It’s a shortened two day version of the hike (7.5 miles total) that still lets you hike along the stone pathway and explore off-the-beaten-path Inca ruins before entering the city through the Sungate.
It’s also a good option if you’re not much of a camper. Instead of sleeping in a tent along the trail, you’ll stay in a comfortable hotel in Aguas Calientes, with plenty of time to explore the town on your own.
On the morning of the second day, you’ll take a bus up to Machu Picchu to explore the site with your knowledgeable guide before heading back to Cusco.
From your pickup in Cusco to all of your meals and exploring Machu Picchu, this tour operator anticipates and provides everything you could possibly need on this adventure. Plus, it’s one of only two companies that are 100% locally owned and operated, which we personally love!
10. 4-Day Short Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu with Sky Camp Stay
- Maximum number of people in your group: 12 travelers
- Are Machu Picchu tickets included? Yes
The Salkantay Trek is another option that leads through the Andes Mountains to Machu Picchu. Whereas the Inca Trail focuses more on the ancient civilization’s history and culture, this hike highlights breathtaking landscapes in the Andes Mountains and unique stays along the way, like geodesic domes or glass cabins.
With this option, you’ll be picked up from Cusco and, over the next three days, trek a challenging 45 miles across some of the most magnificent stretches of the Andes Mountains to Aguas Calientes, at the base of Machu Picchu.
On the very last day, you’ll take a bus up to Machu Picchu early in the morning and get to explore the site on a two hour guided tour before all of the crowds descend. Afterwards, you’ll head to Aguas Calientes and make your way back to Cusco.
This is the same company that we trekked the Inca Trail with, who actually is primarily known for their Salkantay Trek offerings. One of the reasons they’re so popular is that they offer some of the most unique stays along the hiking trail, like Sky Camp, a glass dome that provides epic views of the surrounding mountains, glaciers, and the night sky above.
And, of course, you’ll enjoy the same level of service that we received, with multiple course meals every day and porters to help carry your luggage.
How to get to Cusco
The colonial city of Cusco serves as the gateway to Machu Picchu, thanks to its accessibility and incredible infrastructure for tourists, like hotels, restaurants, and tour operators. Travelers can either visit Machu Picchu as a day trip from Cusco (just be prepared for an early morning and a loooong day!) or use Cusco as a springboard to stay overnight elsewhere in the Sacred Valley, like Ollytantambo or Aguas Calientes, to break up traveling to the ancient citadel a bit.
Most visitors get here by flying into Cusco’s Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport and then getting a taxi or Uber (which works great here!) to their accommodations. There are no direct international flights here, but about a dozen flights from Lima to Cusco every single day, for around just $120 roundtrip.
Alternatively, if you’re like Justin and me and exploring South America a bit, Peru has a robust bus system that makes it so easy (and cheap!) to get around! Here are a few cities around the country that you can easily reach Cusco from:
- Lima to Cusco (22 hours—unless you can’t for some reason, I’d probably recommend flying from Lima instead, given the extremely lengthy bus ride and low cost of airfare)
- Arequipa to Cusco (10 hours—this is how Justin and I got to Cusco and had a perfectly lovely time on the bus!)
- Puno to Cusco (10 hours)
There you have it—10 awesome Machu Picchu tours from Cusco! Do you have any questions about these experiences and which ones might make sense for you? Let me know in the comments below!
